Oh, the Shepherds in Judea!—

Do you think the Shepherds know

How the whole round earth is brightened

In the ruddy Christmas glow?

How the sighs are lost in laughter, and the laughter brings the tears,

As the thoughts of men go seeking back across the darkling years

Till they find the wayside stable that the star-led Wise Men found,

With the Shepherds, mute, adoring, and the glory shining round!


CHRISTMAS CAROL